January 29, 2004
ROMNEY’S BUDGET PUMPS UP ANTI-TERRORISM FUNDING
More money in Governor’s budget to protect homeland, add new State Police classes
Saying he wants to improve homeland security, Governor Mitt Romney today announced he is increasing the number of troopers assigned to the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit in order to enhance intelligence gathering.
“A key part of our homeland security efforts rests on the state’s ability to collect and analyze information on potential threats,” said Romney. “By putting more money into intelligence gathering, we’ll give the State Police the tools they need to be more effective.”
Romney’s Fiscal Year 2005 budget more than triples the amount of money spent on the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit, from $850,000 to $2.7 million, which will allow for an additional 12 assigned troopers in the unit. This money will be combined with $5 million from federal homeland security funding to create a vastly improved statewide information-gathering system.
The system, which will remain within the existing State Police intelligence division, will also include 15 new civilian research analysts specially trained to collect, analyze and disseminate critical intelligence obtained from every level of government.
In addition, Romney’s budget includes funding for two new State Police recruit classes, one graduating in November 2004 and a second graduating in the summer of 2005. As a result, 300 new troopers will join the force, allowing the State Police to keep pace with projected retirements.
“We are very appreciative of the Governor’s commitment to public safety during these difficult economic times,” said Public Safety Secretary Ed Flynn. “Troop strength is a critical component of our homeland security strategic plan.”
Romney said the increase in counterterrorism funding will allow the Commonwealth to more closely coordinate with local authorities to identify homeland security threats.
Major Robert Smith, Commander of the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit, praised the Governor’s initiative.
“This new, post-9/11 era has emphasized that the need to share information and intelligence on a statewide, and often national level, is increasingly critical,” said Smith.
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